Have you ever noticed dark, spotty edges along the borders of your bathroom mirror that don’t come off when you try to clean them? It’s not dirt or stubborn smudges, it’s called “desilvering.”

This common issue can make even the cleanest mirror look old and worn. If you’re wondering, how can I protect my mirror from deteriorating over time?—keep reading for answers.

Ahead we’ll walk you through what mirror desilvering is, what causes it, and how to repair desilvering without replacing your mirror.

What Is Mirror Desilvering?

To understand desilvering, it helps to know the mirror-making process. Mirrors are typically made by applying a thin layer of metallic silver or aluminum to the back of a sheet of glass. This reflective coating is what gives a mirror its ability to reflect your image clearly.

Desilvering happens when that reflective layer begins to break down. It usually starts at the edges and shows up as black mirror spots or streaks where the silver backing has corroded or flaked off. Over time, these spots can lead to a worn-out mirror look.

How to Recognize Mirror Desilvering

The most obvious sign of a desilvering mirror is dark spots around the edges. These marks may look like smudges at first, but no amount of cleaning will get rid of them. That’s because the damage isn’t on the surface, it’s underneath the glass.

You might also notice:

• A general dullness in your mirror’s reflection
• Discoloration that spreads slowly over time
• Edges that appear worn, chipped, or blotchy

If your mirror is in a high-moisture area like a bathroom, this kind of deterioration is pretty common.

Why Mirror Desilvering Happens

Moisture is the main culprit behind desilvering. When water seeps in behind the mirror, especially at the edges, it can cause the silver backing to corrode. Other contributing factors can include:

• Cleaning products: Harsh chemicals or sprays can wear down the protective paint behind the mirror if they drip or run behind the glass.
• Poor ventilation: Lack of airflow allows moisture to linger longer, giving it more time to do damage.
• Age: Even well-maintained mirrors can start to desilver over time.

Bathrooms, with their frequent steam, splashes, and high humidity, are the perfect environment for this kind of damage to occur.

How to Protect Your Mirror From Desilvering

The good news is there are steps you can take to slow down or even prevent mirror deterioration. Here are some tips:

• Improve ventilation. Make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated. Use exhaust fans during and after showers to reduce humidity. Open a window if available, to help clear moisture from the room.
• Be gentle with cleaning. Use glass cleaner sparingly and avoid spraying directly on the mirror. Instead, spray onto a cloth and then wipe the mirror. That way, you avoid excess liquid running to the edges and seeping behind the glass.
• Seal the edges. If your mirror sits right above a backsplash, make sure any gap—even a tiny one—between the top of the backsplash and the mirror is well-sealed. Use clear silicone caulking or a color that matches the rest of the bathroom. 
• Avoid direct water contact. If possible, keep your mirror away from direct splash zones, like right above a sink, especially without a backsplash. Or make sure the area is sealed properly to keep water away from the back side of the mirror.

Cover Up Desilvered Edges with a MirrorMate Frame

If your mirror has desilvering at the edges but is otherwise in great shape, don’t tear it out. Instead, cover up discolored mirror edges with a MirrorMate frame. Our custom-crafted frames are easy to install and adhere directly to your existing mirror for an instant bathroom refresh.

Choose from a wide range of frame styles and finishes, from coastal to glam. Our frames not only hide desilvered edges but also protect your mirror from further damage since the frame acts as a barrier to shield vulnerable edges from moisture and wear.

Mirror desilvering is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to ruin your bathroom’s vibe or your mirror. With a few smart habits and the right mirror frame, you can keep your mirror looking beautiful for years to come. Find your favorite style.